It is very easy to recognize the signs of an eating disorder in someone that you love, if you are paying close enough attention, and if you know what to look for. It is important to know these signs, and it is equally important to know how to help a loved one with an eating disorder.
First, the person will have an unusual or even bizarre preoccupation with their weight or their body. They will also become unusually worried or concerned about calories or food, and they will constantly be on a diet, even if a diet isn't needed. They may even have rapid weight loss that cannot be explained. They may be taking laxatives or diet pills on the sly, and they will of course be exercising a great deal. They may hoard food and they may eat in secret or go on eating binges. They may visit the bathroom for long periods of time immediately after eating, or even before the meal is finished. They will often make excuses to skip meals as well.
When you see those things occurring with someone that you love, you must assume that there could be an eating disorder. Approaching this person may seem like a very difficult thing. You don't want to be accusatory. You don't want to upset or insult them - but something must be done, as your loved ones life is literally at stake.
You must talk to them, but you must do so in a way that doesn't anger them, or put them on the defensive. Do not accuse them of anything. Let them know that you love them, and that you are concerned, and that you just want to make sure that everything is alright, and if it isn't, you want to help. Make sure that this conversation occurs in private, and point out the things that you have noticed that are worrying you. Make sure that you listen as much as you talk, if not more.
Realize that there is no simple solution for an eating disorder, and you do not need to make light of it. If they give a reason for the eating disorder, don't make light of that either - although most people who have eating disorders don't realize why they have it without proper therapy.
Remember that in most cases, you cannot force this person to get treatment. However, you can seek out professionals yourself to find out what you can do to convince them to seek treatment. Information gained from professionals who help those who have eating disorders is invaluable when it comes to helping you to help someone that you love.
Autor: Angela McNutt
Angela likes talking about cheap Urbane Scrubs and writing health articles about various health related topics.
Added: February 4, 2010
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
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